IRIS COATINGS is a specialized producer of functional and reactive coatings.
Our specialties, developed by our own R&D, serve the building construction, train and shipbuilding industries since five decades.
Intumescent coatings are widely used for fire protection of structural steelwork, concrete structures, wood structures and to reduce spread of fire over combustible materials.
Since then, we have been committed to become a specialist in fire protection.
Intumescent coatings and sealants extend time to structure collapse, ensure safe escape and fire brigade operations, thus saving lives and property.
Our IRIS CHAR intumescent coatings and our IRISeal intumescent firestops swell up in the presence of fire forming a very effective thermal insulating protective barrier.
Steel beams are protected to maintain the structural integrity of a building in the event of a fire. While steel is non-combustible, it begins to lose strength at high temperatures—typically around 500°C—causing it to bend, buckle, or collapse under load. Fire protection systems, such as intumescent coatings or fire-resistant boards, insulate the steel and delay heat transfer, providing critical time for evacuation and emergency response, and ultimately helping to prevent structural failure.
Timber is protected to reduce the risk of fire spread and structural failure. Although timber can char on the surface, which offers some natural fire resistance, prolonged exposure to high temperatures can compromise its load-bearing capacity. Fire protection treatments—such as intumescent coatings or fire-retardant impregnations—slow down the ignition and charring process, helping to maintain structural performance, limit fire growth, and extend evacuation time in a fire scenario.
Concrete is generally considered fire-resistant, but it can still be vulnerable under high temperatures. Prolonged exposure to intense heat can cause spalling—where the surface layer breaks away—exposing the inner structure and reducing overall strength. Additionally, embedded steel reinforcement within concrete can overheat and lose its load-bearing capacity. Fire protection measures help preserve the integrity of both the concrete and its reinforcement, ensuring structural stability and safety during and after a fire event.
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